Coal Ash

For the majority of TVA's history, coal played a major role in the generation of electricity. As recently as 2007, almost 60% of all power generated by TVA came from coal-fired plants. Today, coal represents about 20% of our generation mix. This percentage will drop further with the retirement of Paradise Fossil Plant in 2020 and Bull Run Fossil Plant in 2023.

The process of burning coal generates coal combustion residuals (CCR), commonly known as coal ash. Safely managing this legacy of decades of coal generation is a responsibility TVA takes seriously.

This graphic illustrates how each CCR component is created in the coal combustion process. The components that make up CCR are described below.

Bottom Ash

Bottom ash, about the size of beach sand, is too heavy to be carried by the flue gasses. It is collected in a hopper at the bottom of the boiler furnace. Bottom ash is commonly used as construction filler for embankments, road bases and pavement. It is also used in cement and many cities put it out on winter roads for traction as a more eco-friendly alternative to salt.

Note: Cyclone furnaces, such as Paradise Unit 3, are quenched with water, which generates boiler slag – smooth pellets that have a glassy appearance. Boiler slag is commonly used in asphalt roof shingles.

Fly Ash

Fly ash, which looks and feels like talcum powder, travels with the flue gasses until it is captured by electrostatic precipitators.

Gypsum

Prior to the exhaust going up the stacks, a limestone slurry is sprayed into the flue gases, “scrubbing” out the sulfur and oxides. This process removes 95 percent of the sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the exhaust. Synthetic gypsum is a byproduct of this chemical reaction. The gypsum is very high-quality and is used in more than 40 percent of wallboard manufactured in the U.S. It is used in self-leveling floor compounds, glass manufacturing and farmers even use it to improve soil quality.

Community Action Groups

TVA is committed to encouraging dialogue, improving communications and increasing the community engagement at each of its CCR sites. Through informational meetings, workshops, information products, media briefings, site tours and community action groups,
TVA is working to be transparent and involve the communities in activities and decisions about the safe management of CCR. Learn more about these groups.

CCR Storage Safety

TVA changed how it handles and stores CCR. When it comes to storing CCR, TVA focuses on these key safety areas: stability of impoundments, wet to dry handling and storage, safe management of water, storage options and groundwater monitoring. Learn the steps TVA takes to safely store CCR.

Beneficial Reuse

TVA recycles approximately 35% of the coal ash we produce so that it may be beneficially reused. In fact, it is widely used in the construction industry and can be found around your home and work — concrete, wall board, roof shingles and sanding materials. Learn how TVA finds new uses for coal byproducts.

The Intelligent Compaction Project

TVA is pioneering new technology to become the industry leader in the dry storage of coal ash. The ash is laid down, layer by layer, and compacted by special machines that use both weight and vibration to create a pavement-like hardness. Sensors within
the ash allow TVA engineers to monitor the process in real time. Learn more about the process.